The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $880 million to victims of clergy sexual abuse dating back decades, marking the largest single child sex abuse settlement with a Catholic archdiocese. The settlement comes after attorneys for 1,353 individuals who allege abuse by local Catholic priests reached an agreement with the archdiocese following months of negotiations.
Archbishop José H. Gomez expressed remorse, stating, 'I am sorry for every one of these incidents, from the bottom of my heart.' He hopes the settlement will provide some healing for the survivors who have endured immense suffering.
The Plaintiffs’ Liaison Committee emphasized the importance of accountability, noting that while no amount of money can fully compensate the victims, justice is found in holding the responsible parties accountable.
This settlement, which caps a quarter-century of litigation against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, brings the total payout to over $1.5 billion when combined with previous settlements. Attorney Morgan Stewart, who led the negotiations, highlighted the significance of the settlement in providing closure for survivors who have endured decades of pain.
The settlement will be funded through archdiocese investments, reserves, bank financing, and other assets. Additionally, certain religious orders and other entities named in the litigation will contribute to covering the costs of the settlement.
